MIDF expects ringgit to strengthen to RM4.23 against US dollar in 2025

KUALA LUMPUR: MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd’s research arm, MIDF Research, expects the ringgit to appreciate with an average rate of RM4.23 versus the US dollar this year. In a note today, MIDF Research said that, however, the strengthening in the local note is expected to be at a more gradual pace on the back of...

Electricity tariff hike won’t burden businesses, Anwar assures

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) has assured that any increase in electricity tariffs will not burden the business community, with 85% of households continuing to receive subsidies. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, stated that any tariff hike in the second half of 2025 will not negatively impact the business community. Speaking...

Fire destroys house and seven vehicles in Hulu Besut

JERTIH: A house and seven vehicles, including five motorcycles, were destroyed in a fire at Kampung Gong Duek in Hulu Besut on Sunday (Feb 2). Jertih fire station chief Mustafa Ismail said the two-storey semi-permanent house was 80% destroyed. "We received a distress call at 6.46pm. A team of 13 in two fire engines and a tanker...

Be proactive in empowering agro-food sector, King tells govt in royal address

KUALA LUMPUR: The agricultural sector and its players must be empowered, says His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. His Majesty urged the government to be proactive in helping smallholders, farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen across the commodity and food supply chain. “The agenda to empower the bumiputra economy through cooperation and support from government companies must...

Asean chairmanship a chance for nation to showcase leadership ability, says King

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia must showcase its ability to lead and determine the direction of Asean as its chairman this year, says His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. The King also urged the government to show its wisdom in preserving diplomatic relations with all quarters. “With Malaysia as the Asean chair this year, the country must show...

Sabah govt to continue working with like-minded organisations

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government will continue working with like-minded organisations that prioritise political stability to ensure sustained economic development and progress. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor stressed the state government’s appreciation for the Chinese community’s ongoing support as key partners in Sabah’s growth. “With such solid support, I believe Sabah will remain on the right...

‘No comment, I just sing’: Ziana Zain brushes off questions about Ops Sky probe

PETALING JAYA: Singer Ziana Zain has declined to comment on the possibility of being called in by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to help in its investigation of a financial consultancy company under Ops Sky. "No comment, my dear, I just sing," she told the media when asked about the matter after hosting the One in...

Show unity and decorum instead of being divisive, King tells MPs

KUALA LUMPUR: Parliamentarians must stop playing politics with every issue just for the sake of their political parties or factions, says His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. "Yang Berhormats must be a bulwark of unity and not agents that cause a split among the rakyat. "So, stop playing politics with every issue for the sake of...

Floods: S’wak longhouse becomes ‘island’ cut off for three weeks

BINTULU: Surrounded by floodwaters for about three weeks, the Mulo longhouse now resembles a small isolated island because of the ongoing disaster. Located in Nanga Penyarai, about a two-hour river journey from Tatau town, the longhouse was cut off when the only land route to the nearest town became impassable due to the floods. Tuai rumah (village...

King lauds nation’s economic showing, says every citizen must benefit

KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia has lauded the country’s economic performance, urging for its benefits to be enjoyed by all the people and not just certain groups. His Majesty also congratulated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the government on Malaysia's achievements. “I hope this will continue improving. "However, the government must ensure...